http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/critical-illness-2-s5.jpgWalker’s refusal to expand affordable BadgerCare coverage for tens of thousands of Wisconsinites while waging his failed run for President could cost an estimated 342 lives annually.

MADISON, WI - A new report published by the Center for American Progress on Wednesday shows that 342 Wisconsinites lives could be saved annually if BadgerCare was expanded in Wisconsin. The report details the dire health outcomes that resulted from politicians like Scott Walker who refused to expand access to health care to thousands in their state.

In Wisconsin’s case, Walker’s refusal to expand affordable BadgerCare coverage for tens of thousands of Wisconsinites, a decision he made while waging his failing run for President, is having real consequences. According to the report, Wisconsin could prevent hundreds of opioid related hospitalizations, increase early-stage cancer diagnoses, and reduce infant deaths. With all factors considered, an additional 176,000 Wisconsinites could be covered under BadgerCare and an estimated 342 lives could be saved annually.

Not only has Walker’s decision cost Wisconsin lives, Walker’s stance has cost the state over a billion dollars. Yesterday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Walker’s decision to reject the federal money to expand health care has resulted in the state spending more money to cover fewer people. That $1.1 Billion is roughly equivalent to funding the UW system for a year or paying for the entire cost of linking the Marquette and Zoo Interchanges, and could be used to help fund our schools, fix our roads, or increase student aid.

Scott Walker’s assault on Wisconsinites’ health care is being waged on all fronts. Walker is still currently suing to undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

“We already knew Scott Walker had an abysmal record on health care, but now we know his decisions are actually costing Wisconsinites their lives,” said DPW Spokesperson Alex Japko. “Walker put his personal political agenda ahead of the health of thousands of Wisconsin residents and the consequences have been tragic. Now, Walker wants to go even further and gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions. In less than two weeks, Wisconsin voters will hold Walker accountable for the damage he’s done.”